Fighting fatigue

National Safety Month: Week 2

Do you regularly arrive at work feeling tired, groggy or run-down? If so, you may not be getting enough sleep. It’s estimated that more than one-third of the U.S. workforce is sleep-deprived.

Not getting enough sleep is risky. “Sleep deprivation has been shown to raise the risks of depression, obesity and heart disease, and has an adverse effect on reproductive health,” NSC states.

To help get better sleep and be more alert during the day:

Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.

Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time – even on weekends.

Keep your bedroom dark and cool when you’re sleeping.

Avoid eating heavy meals before bedtime.

Keep electronic devices, such as cellphones and TVs, out of the bedroom.

Stay alert on the roads

Sleep deprivation can have a big effect on driving safety. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show that in 2014, 846 deaths occurred as a result of drowsy driving. To help stay alert on long road trips:

Take regular rest breaks to get fresh air and stretch your legs, and rotate drivers when you get tired.

Don’t drink alcohol or take medications that may make you drowsy.

Find a safe place to pull over and rest for a while if you feel drowsy.

Don’t drive if you feel too tired. Stop at a hotel or call a friend, if possible, to take you to your destination.

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